Related: Our 10 favorite independent bookstores in New York City

WORD
126 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Web site

Situated on certifiably hip Franklin Street in Greenpoint, this cheery store is fully stocked, but somehow not overwhelming—maybe due to the helpful and passionate employees. Browse the latest literary fiction and nonfiction, plus an array of literary journals, and books by small independent presses you’ll be grateful to have discovered.

WORD also hosts a slew of fun literary events several nights per week, including readings by notable authors (past events have featured names like Kate Christensen and Maud Newton), several different book clubs covering everything from Russian literature to David Foster Wallace, and a new series hosted by blogger David Gutowski delving into the influence of music on writing.

Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton Street (at South Portland)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Web site

Fort Greene has no shortage of literary prowess—authors like Colson Whitehead, Jhumpa Lahiri and Richard Wright have called the neighborhood home—and since October 2009, local residents have had a cool and quirky bookstore to call their own.

The shop is located on bustling Fulton Street, and owned by Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, two friends with decades of publishing and bookstore experience between them. The spacious, well-lit community meeting spot hosts compelling events and readings by local poets and nationally renowned authors every week.

powerHouse Books
37 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Web site

Not all bookstores strive for quaint, and in fact, some fly directly in its face. In DUMBO, powerHouse Books occupies an airy and modern space, all white and brightly lit, with sculpture and modern art on display throughout. In addition to a thorough selection of fashion and art titles published by powerHouse Books, the store holds plenty of mainstream and independent fiction and non-fiction, plus an irresistible selection of colorful children’s books. Events like art openings, readings and performances are held in the mezzanine area.

The post Brooklyn Books: 3 independent bookstores to check out appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In the age of Amazon, a good bookstore is hard to find. Mom-and-pop and big-box alike have been on a shuttering spree, as the e-book claims dominance. But thankfully not in New York, land of Algonquin’s round table, Harlem’s Renaissance, and Gatsby’s greatness. Sure, there have been some troubles here too, but there have also been some wins, and so far New York’s indie bookstores still shine like a beacon in the storm. Here, some favorite spots to hit the stacks.

Related: 5 independent bookstores in Brooklyn worth checking out.

Best all-around:
Housing Works Bookstore Café
126 Crosby Street, Soho

Bookstore, café, event space, charity… This New York literary fixture functions as a book lover’s, well, everything. You can scrounge up great used books on the floor-to-ceiling shelves, and then enjoy them in the cozy café. Reading and music events are regular occurrences, and sometimes happy hours sweeten things even further.

Best place to feel the love:
Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton Street, Fort Greene Brooklyn

The folks behind this cheery gem love their people as much as they do their books. In fact, the store was created after a survey by the Fort Greene Association found that many thought the neighborhood was lacking a local bookstore (talk about giving back!). Now, Fort Greene has a brainy place that not only showcases local authors but holds many an event where the community can, well, commune with them.

Best place to plan a revolution (or read about one):
Bluestockings
172 Allen Street, Lower East Side

Feminism, anarchism and a host of other “-isms” all hold court at this free-thinking “activist center.” You’ll also find queer studies, Zapatistas and even “alternative menstrual products” (no joke). The café features an array of fair trade items, and nightly events bolster the communal spirit.

“Bookiest” smell:
East Village Books
99 St. Mark’s Place, East Village

What do bookworms dream of when they dream about books? The tiny, friendly East Village Books, which seems to specialize in worn, well-loved volumes. It’s the sort of place where you walk in to sell five books and walk out with 10, plus that special hard-to-find gem.

Book nerd-vana:
Alabaster Bookshop
122 4th Avenue

I’m not sure whether it’s the book nerd in me, or the little girl who loved Beauty and the Beast, or a combination of the two but there is something about a bookstore with ladders that opens my proverbial heaven’s gates (insert “aaaahhhhh….” sound here). In addition to ladders, this sweet spot ticks another bibliophile box—nooks and crannies, all packed with used books, from plastic-wrapped first editions to tattered copies of Little House on the Prairie.

Most resilient neighborhood icon:
St. Mark’s Bookshop
31 Third Avenue

I have a soft spot for this nerdy gem, and not only because I passed (and lingered at its windows) daily in my first days of living in New York. You see, St. Mark’s Bookshop is both an East Village icon and a steadfast survivor. Having first opened its doors to artists and academics in Manhattan’s gritty ’70s, the bookstore has weathered some hard times. It almost shuttered in these days of gentrification, only to be saved by a healthy dose of tenacity and the rallying efforts of a supportive community. Today, I’m pleased to report that many more will have the pleasure of enjoying the shop’s volumes of critical theory and impressive selection of lit mags.

Best children’s bookshop:
Books of Wonder
18 W 18th Street

Even the name of this sweet establishment captures the magic that takes hold when one is first discovering books. Beyond that, the selection of old, new and rare gems is magnificent, and a variety of readings are appealing to kids both big and small.

Hippest literary salon:
Molasses Books
770 Hart Street, Bushwick Brooklyn

In the infinite hipness that is the gritty, up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick, bookstores with an edge are cropping up. For brevity’s sake, we’ll focus on the first, Molasses Books, which opened in 2012 and set the bar high. With its shelves of used books (most $10 and under), plus comfy seating and coffee, beer and wine selections, this airy spot begs lingering. Bonus points for a daily happy hour and Tuesday evening DJ parties (plus other events). Block out some time to wander the area to check out the other book shops in this uber-literary area.

Best place for wanderlust:
Idlewild
12 W. 19th Street

Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about one, this second-floor shop is for you. Its name comes from the JFK Airport’s pre-1963 moniker, and its décor (vinyl chairs and a slab of stained glass) come from the old American Airlines terminal, so you feel just ready to jet set as you browse the inspirational tomes, which are divided by destination. Headed to Spain? You can find everything from guidebooks to cookbooks to Don Quixote all in one place. The story also stocks some travel gear, and offers language classes. (There is also a second shop at 249 Warren Street, in Cobble Hill Brooklyn.)

The post Read Up! The Best Indie Bookstores in New York City appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Then, of course, there is the holiday extravaganza that is 5th Avenue. And Macy’s. And, well, any department store that is worth its salt in window displays. But where to go? And how to fight the crowds and actually enjoy the festival of lights without losing your mind? We’ve got your holiday window walking tour right here.

Stop 1: Macy’s
34th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
Subway: N/Q/R/B/D/F to Herald Square

Click to see these windows on a map.

Let’s start at the very beginning. Macy’s kicked off the holiday season with that little parade it held on Thanksgiving Day. Santa made his first appearance of the season and the holidays were off to a rip-roaring start. Enter 34th Street, home not only to Macy’s but to that magical holiday story, “Miracle on 34th Street,” which is retold in adorable animatronics nodding their heads and flying their reindeer legs in the Macy’s windows on 34th.

Stop 2: Lord & Taylor
424 5th Ave at 39th St

From Macy’s, head east to 5th Avenue and north to 39th Street to check out Lord & Taylor’s incredible, and historic, panes. In 1938, this upscale department store displayed the first ever animated holiday windows. To this day the trendsetting store does it up right. To maintain the unadulterated Christmas spirit, windows are simply the festive animated scenes, no merchandise allowed.

Detour: For a fun treat, and a quick bout of warmth, make a pit stop on the way to Lord & Taylor. At 36th Street, head an extra block east to Madison Avenue to the Morgan Library. Yes, you’ll have to pay an admission price here ($15), but you’ll see the original manuscript of a quintessential bit of Christmas: Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol, all bound in lovely leather as once gifted to his solicitor.

Stop 3: Saks Fifth Avenue
611 5th Ave between 49th and 50th

From Lord & Taylor, you have a bit of a stroll along 5th Avenue (stop into the New York Public Library at 42nd Street to see their giant tree) to the next set of windows. But once you reach Saks Fifth Avenue you’ve got lights galore for miles—or at least several blocks.

But we’ll start with Saks, where the windows are grand but the highlight is the glorious light show which has snowflakes dancing across the 10-story building. Arrive here after dark to partake in the full spectacle, and since you’re in the neighborhood, make a pilgrammage across the street to Rockefeller Center and its famous tree.

Fun fact: The snowflakes, inspired by William “Snowflake” Bentley’s snowflake photos from the 1920’s, are made from more than 40 LED modules (that’s 2.5 miles of lights) but consume only 2600W, the energy equivalent of three toaster ovens. Go Saks! Out of town Cheapos can see the snowflake dance here.

Stop 3: Fifth Avenue
50th Street to 59th Street

After gaping at the at the snowflake show, which takes place every 15 minutes, it’s a slow stroll up Fifth Avenue for some incredible windows and gorgeous lights. Highlights include the gleaming UNICEF snowflake which hovers over 5th Avenue at 57th Street, the red bow of lights that wraps the Cartier building at 52nd (we’ll unwrap that!) and, of course, the classy and captivating displays at a certain store whose signature bows (and boxes) are not red but blue. Not sure what we’re talking about? You’ll happen upon this little shop of Audrey Hepburn fame at 727 Fifth Ave between 56th and 57th.

Also in the hood are Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue at 56th Street), where the windows this year celebrate scenes from The Nutcracker, and Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Avenue at 58th Street), with its futuristic “Wish You Were Here” travel theme.

Stop 4: FAO Schwarz
767 5th Avenue at 58th Street

When you hit 58th Street, take a detour into FAO Schwarz, toyland itself, where you can warm up in the cafe or pounce on the giant piano a la Tom Hanks in Big. Nothing says Christmas like being a kid again.

Stop 5: Bloomingdale’s and Dylan’s Candy Bar
59th Street and Lexington Avenue

If you’ve still got energy after all that, head east on 58th Street to Bloomingdale’s (59th Street and Lexington Avenue), where the digital screens give a more modern, techie holiday feel. Then replenish your energy with a pit stop at the colorful Dylan’s Candy Bar (1011 Third Avenue at 60th Street).

Cheapos take note: This last stop, a candy heaven founded by Dylan Lauren (daughter of Ralph) is certainly sweet with its 5,000-plus types of candy, but it’s sensory overload, especially at this time of year. Be prepared to fight crowds for your candy fix. And please refrain from shoving small children—there are plenty of chocolate-covered gummy bears to go around.

For a quieter respite, you might instead head over to the iconic Serendipity (225 East 60th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues) to, er, warm up over a heaping glass of their famous frozen hot chocolate ($8.75). Sound coutnerintuitive? It may be cold, but it’ll warm the heart!

Browsing Tips:

Here’s the thing Cheapos: You’re going to run into crowds on this gazing excursion. There may even be lines to see some windows. To minimize the headaches, try going later in the evening.

Stores close between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., so have dinner, maybe a drink (or two) and then make your way out to check out the lights. You’ll still run into fellow light-gawkers, but at least the shopping throngs will have dispersed by then.

Did Ya Know?

A few fun facts about holiday windows…

1) The holiday window tradition started in the 1840s, when stores displayed wrapped gifts and evergreens. Then in the 1870s the public was fascinated by the toy trains in the windows of L.P. Tibbals’ toy store.

2) Macy’s took decorating up a notch in 1874, when it displayed $10,000 worth of dolls, effectively setting the window-watching trend—and the annual “What if my toy is sold out?” panic.

3) In 2010 Bergdorf spent nearly $300,000 on real antiques and quartz crystal bling for its windows, themed “Wish You Were Here.”

The post Secrets to Seeing New York’s Best Christmas Windows appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These little boutiques are great for last-minute shoppers and those looking for unique gifts and trinkets to bring home to friends and family. If you happen to be dragged to one of these marts against your will, have no fear because there is usually an excess of hot chocolate, cider and gourmet treats to enjoy as you mill around.

Here’s the roundup of the best holiday marts in NYC:

Boutique shopping in Bryant Park

Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops
Sixth Ave. and 42nd St.
Through Jan. 2
Hours: Mon.– Fri. 11 a.m.– 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.– 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.

The shops surrounding the Citi Pond are surprisingly upscale for their temporary stature. A “boutique village” now appears where Bryant Park normally resides, complete with windows and an array of national brand names ready to serve holiday shoppers.

Among crafters and home decor you can also find stores like Sabon, Max Brenner and Kate Spade–all offering special gift packages for the season. In addition to these there are some unique shops like Dynomighty Design, featuring the slimmest, most indestructible wallet known to man (the “Mighty Wallet”) and jeweler Lucid with festive snowflake necklaces and rings for the ladies.

Strumming at Union Square

Union Square Holiday Market
14th St. between Park Ave. and Broadway
Through Dec. 24
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Holiday Market at Union Square has a much more hometown feel than that of Bryant Park. The plywood-constructed booths are home to a variety of entrepreneurial ventures–jewelers, knitters, importers, artists and bakers. The ambiance is full of spirit, with apple doughnuts, hot cocoa and a guitar player or two all making their way around the garland-decorated square.

Not to be missed is the Alpaca Hat vendor, Back from Bali importers for children’s clothes and Copa Soaps. There are plenty of stocking stuffer options on the cheap, plus a free holiday gift-wrap booth courtesy of HSBC!

Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Central Park South and Central Park West
Through Dec. 24
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Columbus Circle holiday marketplace is in its seventh year running and becoming a center for delectable food vendors. Though it is still home to many crafters and unique artisans, it offers some of the city’s best grub with Pies N’ Thighs, Fatty Crab and Crif Dogs now on the scene. If you still have room after that, you can indulge in a gingerbread house (or buy a kit to construct your own) and chow down on some French truffles found in nearby booths. New to the Columbus Circle Market this year is the Market Concierge, which will help lead you to the vendor or nearby shops you desire.

Grand Central Holiday Fair
42nd St. and Lexington Ave.
Through Dec. 24
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

If the outdoor chill is a major deterrent to market shopping, then you can head indoors to Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Hall, which currently hosts 76 holiday vendors. The hall offers similar merchants to the other holiday markets, however it is geared towards a higher-end clientele. This can be seen in merchants like scarf designer Margo Petitti, and Aviva Stanoff’s detailed pillows and home décor.

The post The Best Outdoor Holiday Markets in New York appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We (heart) souvenirs

Created pro bono in 1977 by Milton Glaser for a marketing campaign to promote New York State, the original design for “I (heart) NY” was intended to be in the public eye for only a few months. But locals and tourists alike took hold of the black, white and red symbol. A popular souvenir movement was born.

While finding your own special tee in Times Square or around Soho has its own allure, shops around Chinatown and Madison Square Garden (in the west 30s) offer better deals. Look for street vendors with tables of tees offering crazy deals. Some vendors even sell five shirts for $10. Individual tees go for about $3 to $30, depending on quality.

While you’re at it…

Grab some of the other cheap trinkets available on the vendor tables in Soho and the Fashion District. We’re talking about mini taxi cabs, cityscape snow globes, foam Statue of Liberty crowns, Times Square playing cards, etc. Classic.

Also see: Our recommended budget hotels in New York City.

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